John James Guidy

John James Guidy, 82, of Milton, Florida, began the New Year in the presence of Jesus on late Friday evening, January 1, 2016. Born on September 9, 1933, in Allentown, Florida, he was the fifth of six children born to the late John M. and Florence A. Guidy.

John is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Alice S. Guidy. He is also survived by his children, Debbie and Steve McWilliams, John and Angelique Guidy, Maria and Joe Pool, Alicia and Garland Borowski, Vicky and Roger Matthews; his grandchildren, Steven, Elise, Jordan, Courtney, Rayna, James, Anna, Jonathan, Josiah, Joseph, Joshua, Jeremiah, Kiersten, Tad, Sienna, Arienne, Lee, Brynn, Jackson, Autumn, and Ashley; and a large extended family.

At the age of 16, shortly after his “stellar” academic career abruptly ended, John was drafted into the Army in May of 1953 and served during the Korean conflict. Upon returning home in April of 1955, he completed his GED while working in the family construction company, honing skills that would serve him and others for the duration of his life. In May of 1960 while attending Troy State College, he became the first college graduate of his family and in the process met the love of his life, Alice Marie Smith.

That fall, John began a 32-year career in the adult education program of the Santa Rosa County School District, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Adult Education Administration at Florida State University and spending most of his career as the principal of Santa Rosa Adult School. Recognized as a pioneer in Adult Education, John led the effort to obtain SACS accreditation for Santa Rosa County’s Adult Education Program and obtained one of the initial seven state-wide grants issued by the state of Florida to start a literacy program in Santa Rosa County.

With a true servant’s heart, John served his community in many capacities, including treasurer of the Santa Rosa County Youth Athletics, president of the Civitan Club, and a member of the Lions Club and the Milton Quarterback Club. Forever young at heart, he remained deeply involved in the lives of his children throughout his life, holding leadership positions in Little League, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Sunday School, and the Royal Ambassador program. Whether chasing after scouts who were chasing after bears in the mountains or delighting his grandchildren with his love of arcane knowledge, John—though short in stature—loomed large in the eyes of the many young people whose lives he touched.

As a member of First Baptist Church of Milton for over 50 years, John served as a deacon and as a volunteer for Mobile Baptist Builders, FBC Construction Missions, and World Changers. After his retirement from the school district, John returned to his roots, pulling from his early years in construction to facilitate the building of churches on over 25 mission trips throughout the world.

Active pallbearers will be John’s grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Hope Sunday School Class, members of the construction mission teams, and John’s Allentown schoolmates: Charles Ward, Vera Frances Howell, Mary Cone, Malhon McLaughlin, Kent Bowers, and Willard Beasley.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, at First Baptist Church Milton, FL. Funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at First Baptist Church Milton, FL, followed by the graveside service at Serenity Gardens in Milton, FL.

John will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but we take great comfort in knowing that he now resides at the throne of grace with his Heavenly Father.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in John’s memory to the First Baptist Church “Summer Mission Construction Fund” (6797 Caroline Street, Milton, Florida 32570) or Covenant Hospice (2001 N Palafox Street, Pensacola, Florida 32501).